31-Day Challenge Update

Finally! Got out on my bike this sunny, clear, but chilly day before winter. Decided to take my camera and take some shots from my bike along the way. To see the pics, click here. (And click "Slideshow" in upper right.)

Breath!

Well, I am about half way into the 31-Day Challenge. This morning I was starting to get down on myself for not following through with some of my goals. Busy days and cold weather have not inspired bike riding and outdoor activity. I have a lot on my mind these days as I prepare to head to the U.S. in a couple weeks. There is always something on my to do list to accomplish. I find myself preoccupied much of the time, which too often prevents me from being present in the now! This morning I started my day with two blog posts that, hopefully, will help reset my posture these days ahead.

Alan Fadling is sharing a new Classic Prayers series on his blog. This prayer from the eighth century helped start my day today....click here. I’m looking forward to following along with Alan and he shares more classic prayers in the days and weeks ahead. Thanks Alan!

Then I was catching up with the 31-Day Challenge blog. Jara shared this helpful breathing exercise...click here. I think I better keep this handy these days ahead. Thanks Jara!

In other news, World Cup fever is alive and well here in Argentina! Thursday was a big game day here! Argentines have been somewhat guarded going into the World Cup this time around. The national team did not play to well in the qualifying games and barely made it into the World Cup. But, Thursday’s big win really seems to have revived hope in Argentina’s prospects. It’s super fun to be here and experience World Cup excitement and passion. As Cora Forcatto says about her classmates, “Todos estan locos para el mundial!” That pretty much sums it up...everyone is crazy for the World Cup! Fun times!

Plus, to top off game day on Thursday….THE LAKE SHOW CONTINUES! Go Lakers!

Today I am off to see Toy Story 3D with the Forcatto girls.

31-day challenge – week one

I week ago, I took on the 31-day challenge. Jara has asked some some good questions along the way. Here are some answers on how it's going for me. See my original post below.

What has been the most difficult, surprising part of the challenge?

Just taking on the challenge in baby steps has caused me to be more mindful of my eating and exercise (or lack of it). So, that is a good thing!

I made Garbanzo Bean Curry this week. I got two dinners and a lunch out of it…so I actually ended up eating vegetarian three times. And I enjoyed the meals without meat… imagine that! Next week, split pea soup. (minus the chunks of ham).

The walking and riding my bike goals have not been as easy this week. My busy

week made it difficult. And it is getting colder and colder here, as we move into winter. Plus, it is getting darker earlier, so it limits some of my window of time for bike riding. Feeling a little sick has not helped either. Excuses, excuses…I will stick with it and find creative ways/times to make it happen.

So, what have you noticed in your body so far?

Flu season has hit in full force these recent weeks. I am surrounded by sick people, coughing and sniffling. This week I have felt like my body is fighting something. Extra tired, a little achy, and a scratchy throat. But, so far, I have avoiding a full on knock out.

What would you add/delete from your list of 31...

Still have 11 more things to add to my list. Here’s five more…

21) Learn more names of vegetables in Spanish. Better then pointing and saying “este” at the Farmer’s Market.

22) Weigh myself weekly at the local farmacia.

23) Wash my hands and use hand sanitizer more often during this flu season!

24) Drink OJ

25) Be more attentive and notice new things about myself, others, and nature.

What's the biggest thing you've noticed in the past two weeks...it could be about yourself, your friends, the weather...I noticed my first firefly yesterday!!!

Good question, Jara! I need to open my eyes and be more attentive (see #25).

What do you love about this part of the year?

It’s coming up on winter here, so the temptation some days is to stay indoors near the space heater. But, I love getting out in this city of Buenos Aires and exploring and taking in the awesome city that this is! Early-June is my birthday, so I always look forward to celebrating with friends. Also, the NBA Finals (Let’s Go, Lakers!) and the World Cup give me extra joy this June!

31 Days Till Summer Challenge

A few weeks back Jara, our WMF Advocacy Coordinator, introduced a “31 Days till Summer” health challenge. I kept reading the Facebook and Twitter updates, as more and more people joined in. And a kept ignoring the challenge as not for me right now. After all, we aren’t counting down the days to summer as the temps chill down towards winter here in the Southern Hemisphere. Plus, I already have a pretty long to do list before leaving for my visit to the U.S. in July. I didn’t want to add more things to “should” on myself about. This past week I was communicating with Jara in some emails back and forth on some work stuff. I added a P.S. in one of the emails thanking her for the challenge and the inspiration she gives, but explaining why I wasn’t going to take on the challenge this time around.

She replied back with a super encouraging and understanding email. Then a couple days later I found this blog post from Jara…"Stop. Deep Breath." So, for the past couple of days I had second thoughts and decided to jump into the challenge! If nothing else, it will help me think more intentionally about my health and rhythm of life (physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually).

I am a little late in the game. Better late than never, I guess. And I will make up for lost time and keep up the challenge until I leave for the U.S. in early-July. I figure that is when I’ll find summer again up north anyway!

I started my list this morning. I’ve got 20! I’ll start with that and add more, as I am able. I’ll try to share some updates along the way on my blog. Big thanks to Jara and others who are taking on the challenge for the inspiration. (I stole some of your ideas.)

If you want to follow the challenge blog, click here….

http://31daycountdown.blogspot.com/

1) Stop. Deep Breath!

2) Complete the final three units of the Spiritual Exercises (Sacred Listening, James Wakefield).

3) Eat one vegetarian meal a week.

4) Learn and try simple vegetarian recipes.

5) Make an appointment with the dermatologist to have my skin checked over in the U.S. in August.

6) Ride my bike once a week.

7) Walk for pleasure and exercise at least once a week (beyond daily walking for necessity).

8) Walk or ride bike through ecological reserve once in June.

9) Write at least one note or email of gratitude once a week.

10) Finish reading Simply Christian by N.T. Wright.

11) Read Wisdom of Stability by Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove before the Staff Gathering (if it arrives in time).

12) Drink more water.

13) Floss more.

14) Take a day E.P.C. retreat in June (agenda free!)

15) Keep up with “31 days Til (l) Summer” blog for inspiration and ideas.

16) Practice examen once a week – consolation/desolation.

17) Do something life-giving every Sabbath.

18) Buy my veggies and chicken at the farmer’s market in Tuesdays.

19) Stay after church for lunch in the Living/Comedor once in June.

20) Visit a Museum.